Nintendo's Wii U hit Mario Kart 8 is getting some post-launch content in the form of two downloadable packs filled with new characters and tracks in what might possibly be the most reasonably-priced DLC in the history of gaming.
For $7.99 individually, or $12 for both DLC packs, players will receive three new characters, four new vehicles and eight new tracks. With both packs, that equals six new characters, eight new vehicles and 16 new tracks to race on.
Link will be making his kart racing debut in the game's first pack, due out in November, which adds the hero of Nintendo's Legend of Zelda franchise to Mario Kart 8 along with Tanooki Suit Mario and Cat Peach. That pack will also include a mixture of old courses and new Legend of Zelda-inspired tracks.
The second DLC pack adds the Villager character from the Animal Crossing franchise, as well as the characters Dry Bowser and Isabelle. That pack is slated to be released in May of 2015.
A free promotional DLC pack, which adds Mercedes vehicles to the game, releases today and adds the modern Mercedes-Benz GLA, the 1950s 300 SL Roadster and the 1930s Silver Arrow.
Mario Kart 8 is far and away the most successful game on Nintendo's struggling Wii U console. Despite selling nearly 3 million copies in Q2 of this year, Nintendo still reported a fiscal loss for the quarter ending on June 30. Nintendo does have a strong line-up of titles this holiday season that may help the Wii U pick up some much needed steam, including the Legend of Zelda themed Hyrule Warriors.
The real heavy-hitter, though, is the new Super Smash Bros., which will be as close to a system seller as the Wii U is likely to ever get. That game currently doesn't have a firm release date, but it is scheduled to hit store shelves sometime before the end of the year. The first of these two DLC packs should also bring some money Nintendo's way to keep people coming back to Mario Kart 8 for more racing action throughout the holiday season.
Pricing is also crucial here. In an age where three new maps for Call of Duty cost $15, Nintendo is adding a huge amount of content for well under what gamers are accustomed to paying. That business decision will likely add up for Nintendo as more players buy the DLC as a result.
